Sunday 15 January 2012

Songs for Social Justice: Tracy Chapman – Talking ‘bout a Revolution


Tracy Chapman came to global prominence when taking to the stage at the 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium, a concert which was broadcast live around the world. Three years after Live Aid, this concert had a more political stance and demanded an end to apartheid in South Africa and the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners. The organisers, which included Jerry Dammers, staged this concert at a time when the Conservative government of the day regarded Mandela and the ANC as terrorists.

A second concert was organised in 1990 two months after his release. He regarded this as an official international reception, the concert was once again broadcast around the world. Mandela attended and took the stage for a total of 45 minutes, he did not meet the British government on this visit to the UK.

Tracy Chapman’s set at the first concert, and this song in particular, seemed to capture the mood of the day. It catapulted her from being a little known artist that sang about social activism to becoming an international artist that sang about social activism. She also performed at the ‘Nelson Mandela: An International Tribute for a Free South Africa’ concert in 1990.

Tracy Chapman - Talking 'bout a Revolution - live at the 'Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute':

Further information:


Songs for Social Justice Dance Night featuring guest DJ Jerry Dammers -
o      Thursday 26th January
o      STUC Centre, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow
o      6.45pm – midnight
o      Tickets £8/£4 Available direct from the STUC - 0141 337 8100








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